Canal dwellers given free coal in act of kindness

Andy Simpson led a group of volunteers handing out coal to people living on the Grand Union Canal

A man has led a team of volunteers to deliver bags of coals to people living on canal boats.

Narrowboater Andy Simpson handed out the free coal to residents on the Grand Union Canal in Milton Keynes.

"I know it's a really small gesture but hopefully that will have a ripple effect and we can spread just a little bit of kindness among this community," he said.

One recipient, Ben Slaney, who has lived on the water for 12 years and spends £500 a year on coal, said the gift "was very welcome indeed".

Josh Panter said the delivery "definitely" made a difference ahead of the winter

The project was backed by Drop Dead Generous, a philanthropic group encouraging people to be kind.

It gave Mr Simpson a grant of £350 to buy coal for boat dwellers ahead of the winter months.

He was supported by followers of his social media platform 4 Boys on a Boat.

Josh Panter, who lives on a canal boat with his pregnant wife Hayley and their three children, said the gift "definitely makes a difference".

"The temperatures have dropped to the point now where in the nighttime it's really cold and our diesel heater is just struggling," he said.